When it comes to true comfort food that feels both elegant and utterly satisfying, Garlic Chicken with Asiago Gravy is always my go-to. Imagine golden, juicy chicken breasts blanketed in a creamy, cheesy sauce laced with garlic and a hint of thyme—the aroma alone will draw everyone to the kitchen. This dish has the power to elevate an ordinary evening into something special while still being accessible for a busy weeknight, and I can guarantee there won’t be a single lick of sauce left on the plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind Garlic Chicken with Asiago Gravy lies in its straightforward, approachable ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen to enhance the savory flavors and lend a welcoming creaminess that hugs every bite.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for quick cooking and tender results; aim for evenly sized pieces for consistent doneness.
- Salt: Essential for pulling out the chicken’s natural flavors and seasoning every bite.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right mild bite and warmth in the background.
- Garlic powder: Deepens the savory notes, giving the chicken another layer of flavor before it even hits the skillet.
- Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection while lending a touch of richness.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic adds aromatic depth, transforming the gravy into pure savory heaven.
- Unsalted butter: Enriches the sauce and balances the garlic while creating a flavorful base for the roux.
- All-purpose flour: The thickening agent that turns broth and cream into a silky gravy—use a gluten-free blend if needed!
- Chicken broth: Adds a savory backbone and thins the sauce just right for pouring over the chicken.
- Heavy cream: The secret to a dreamy, lush gravy that coats every bite in luxury.
- Asiago cheese: Sharp, tangy, and delightfully nutty, this cheese is the heart of the sauce—buy it freshly grated if you can.
- Dried thyme: Brings a gentle herbal note that livens up the entire dish without overpowering.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Just a sprinkle wakes up the creamy sauce for a little kick.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For a burst of color and freshness when you’re ready to serve.
How to Make Garlic Chicken with Asiago Gravy
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry and laying them out on a clean plate or board. Generously season both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder—don’t be shy here, as each seasoning will build incredible flavor into your chicken and ensure every bite is savory.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, nestle the chicken breasts into the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for 5–6 minutes per side until they’re golden and the edges are just turning crisp. This high-heat sear seals in juiciness and gives the chicken irresistible color and texture. Remove the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—you want all those toasty bits), melt the butter and add your minced garlic. Let it sizzle for just a minute until fragrant, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. This step sets the stage for an irresistibly aromatic sauce!
Step 4: Make the Roux
Sprinkle in the flour and whisk vigorously for about a minute. This forms a roux, which will give the sauce its luxurious body. The flour should blend smoothly with the butter and garlic, turning golden but not brown.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
With your whisk at the ready, slowly pour in the chicken broth while scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Whisk until everything is smooth, then stream in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the sauce begin to thicken.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Seasonings
Stir in the grated Asiago cheese, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes if you like a subtle heat. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is velvety and glossy—about three to five minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 7: Return Chicken and Simmer
Nestle the browned chicken back into the skillet, spooning the Asiago gravy generously over each piece. Let everything simmer together for two to three more minutes so the chicken soaks up the creamy sauce and finishes cooking through.
How to Serve Garlic Chicken with Asiago Gravy
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving not only adds a pop of color but also brings out the freshness in the rich, cheesy gravy. If you’re feeling extra fancy, try a fine grating of Asiago over the top or even a light drizzle of olive oil for shine.
Side Dishes
This is a true dinner hero that plays well with a whole bunch of sides. For a classic pairing, serve your Garlic Chicken with Asiago Gravy over buttery mashed potatoes or a tangle of al dente pasta—both act as the perfect canvas for that savory sauce. Roasted vegetables or steamed green beans offer a crisp, bright balance to the creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, spoon the chicken and gravy over thick slices of toasted sourdough for an elegant twist on open-faced sandwiches. For a family-style feast, arrange the chicken pieces in a shallow platter and pour the sauce down the center, then scatter with parsley so everyone can dig in. Garlic Chicken with Asiago Gravy also shines when sliced and served on a bed of herby rice pilaf or atop polenta for a rustic Italian touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow your Garlic Chicken with Asiago Gravy to cool completely before transferring leftovers into an airtight container. The chicken and sauce will keep well in the fridge for up to three days, and the flavors seem to deepen overnight—making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to!
Freezing
While cream-based sauces can alter slightly in texture after freezing, you can freeze this dish if needed. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, pressing plastic wrap onto the surface to minimize ice crystals. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Gently reheat Garlic Chicken with Asiago Gravy in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s creamy texture. Stir occasionally and heat just until warmed through—overheating may cause the sauce to separate, but a slow hand keeps everything silky and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe, adding even more juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs might take a couple of extra minutes to cook through.
What can I use if I don’t have Asiago cheese?
If Asiago isn’t handy, freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano will stand in nicely, though the flavor will be a bit different—still cheesy and delicious, just slightly less bold.
How can I make Garlic Chicken with Asiago Gravy gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend or cornstarch. Ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free as well. The result will be just as creamy and satisfying!
Is this recipe spicy with the red pepper flakes?
No, the red pepper flakes merely add a hint of warmth that balances the richness of the sauce. Feel free to leave them out, or add a touch more if you enjoy an extra kick.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the Asiago gravy up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce and finish cooking the chicken as described. This is a great trick for saving time during busy weeknights or when entertaining.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that checks every comfort-food box but still feels company-worthy, Garlic Chicken with Asiago Gravy is truly a winner. Every creamy, garlicky forkful is proof that a few great ingredients and a single pan can honestly work culinary magic. Make it once, and I bet you’ll start craving it again before you’ve even finished the leftovers!
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Garlic Chicken with Asiago Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and flavorful Garlic Chicken with Asiago Gravy, a creamy and satisfying dish perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Gravy:
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Asiago cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, sear the chicken in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, add butter, flour, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Simmer and stir in Asiago, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
- Finish the Dish: Return chicken to the skillet, coat with gravy, and let simmer. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
- Asiago can be substituted with Parmesan for a milder flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with gravy
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
